Tackle Your Allergies With Proper Air Conditioning Maintenance
Posted on: 11 March 2019
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Spring is finally approaching! The arrival of warm weather means that lazy days at the beach and fun in the sun are just around the corner, but for many, it also means the onset of allergies. While allergies can certainly strike at any time, it is often during the spring and summer that symptoms are the worst. There may not be much that you can do to control allergies while outside, but your home should be a fortress against the relentless assault of pollen and other allergens. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case, and surprisingly the cause may be improper maintenance of your air conditioning system.
Air Conditioning Systems Are Potentially Double-Edged Swords
A properly functioning air conditioning system will help to filter out allergens and keep your air clean, but a poorly maintained one can have the opposite effect. If your home is equipped with a central air system, then the ducts which run through your house are an easy way for allergens to be widely distributed to every room. This means that allergens which are tracked inside from outdoors or even allergens that originate in the house can spread everywhere. Even worse, it can mean that your home is ground zero for your allergies, even when the outside pollen count is low.
Regular Filter Maintenance Is Vital
The number-one thing that you can do to make sure that your system is an ally in the fight against allergens is to keep your filters in good shape. Depending on the configuration of your HVAC system, your house may have multiple filters. In many cases, there will be a minimum of one filter at the air return and possibly another located near the blower. It is important that both of these filters be replaced on a regular schedule to avoid allowing them to become saturated with allergens.
In addition to regular replacements, you may also want to consider installing higher-efficiency filters. These filters may be more expensive, but they will need to be replaced less often. Special filters designed specifically to deal with allergens may be helpful as well. With proper care for your filters, your air conditioning system will act as the first line of defense against allergies.
Duct Cleaning Is Important Too
Even with regular filter changes, eventually your air conditioning system's ducts will become polluted with allergens. These allergens will then be distributed around your house in spite of the filters. Even without pollen or other outside pollutants entering the system, dust will accumulate in the ducts and spread throughout the house. Fortunately, you can avoid this with regular cleaning. Hiring an HVAC professional to give your ducts a thorough cleaning every 3-5 years will help to guarantee that the air in your house stays clean and allergy-free.
Contact a company that offers air conditioning maintenance services for more information.